Elon Musk’s Criticism Sparks Political Turmoil Over Trump’s Spending Bill

Elon Musk has taken a strong stand against Donald Trump’s latest tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” and expressing his deep dissatisfaction with its content. His post on X denounced the legislation, which he said he “can’t stand,” showing a sharp shift from his previous mild disapproval. Musk’s statement came just days after he left the Trump administration’s Doge cost-cutting team after 129 days of service.

The bill, approved by the House in May, offers massive tax breaks, increased defense funding, and raises the government’s borrowing cap to $4 trillion. Critics argue that it could inflate the national budget deficit by $600 billion next fiscal year. Musk warned that the pork-laden proposal could raise the U.S. deficit to $2.5 trillion and leave American taxpayers grappling with unsustainable debt burdens.

Trump has proudly championed the legislation as his “big beautiful bill” and remains steadfast despite Musk’s opposition. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Trump was aware of Musk’s views and stood by the plan. The bill also seeks to renew 2017 tax cuts, provide funds for immigration enforcement, and slash existing spending by $9 billion—a proposal said to be influenced by Musk’s Doge team.

Republican leadership has largely brushed off Musk’s criticism. House Speaker Mike Johnson, instrumental in moving the bill through the House, dismissed Musk’s view, saying he was “terribly wrong.” Johnson revealed he spoke with Musk for 20 minutes on the phone before Musk went public, and noted the bill’s potential impact on Tesla through the elimination of tax credits.

In the Senate, divisions among Republicans have emerged. Senator Rand Paul has voiced firm opposition, especially regarding the debt ceiling increase. Paul warned that passing the bill would make Republicans responsible for the mounting debt. Trump, in response, attacked Paul on social media, claiming the senator didn’t understand the bill and was unpopular in his home state of Kentucky.

Democratic leaders found unexpected support in Musk’s remarks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked that even one of Trump’s allies was against the bill. With a July 4 deadline set by Trump and Republican lawmakers to finalize and sign the bill into law, political tensions are running high, and internal disagreements threaten to delay or derail the plan.